The role of the President of the United States is one of immense responsibility and power, and unfortunately, it has made them targets for assassination attempts throughout history. While these acts of violence have shaken the nation, there have been instances where presidents have miraculously survived assassination attempts, even during election campaigns.
- Andrew Jackson (1835):
Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, faced an assassination attempt on January 30, 1835. As Jackson was leaving the Capitol building after attending a funeral, Richard Lawrence, a mentally unstable individual, approached him and fired two pistols. Miraculously, both pistols misfired, and Jackson was able to subdue Lawrence with the help of bystanders. This incident highlighted Jackson’s resilience and solidified his reputation as a strong leader.
- Theodore Roosevelt (1912):
During the 1912 presidential election campaign, Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, survived an assassination attempt in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On October 14, 1912, Roosevelt was shot by John Schrank, an unemployed saloonkeeper. However, the bullet was slowed down by a folded 50-page speech and a metal eyeglass case in Roosevelt’s pocket. Despite being injured, Roosevelt insisted on delivering his scheduled speech before seeking medical attention.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933):
Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, encountered an assassination attempt just weeks before his inauguration. On February 15, 1933, Giuseppe Zangara, an Italian immigrant, opened fire on Roosevelt during a speech in Miami, Florida. Although Roosevelt was not injured, the shots claimed the lives of several people in the crowd. This incident highlighted the need for increased security measures for the President-elect.
- Gerald Ford (1975):
Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States, was targeted twice by assassins during his tenure. In September 1975, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, attempted to shoot Ford in Sacramento, California. Fortunately, her gun jammed, and Ford was unharmed. Just a few weeks later, on September 22, 1975, Sara Jane Moore fired a gun at Ford in San Francisco. However, a bystander, Oliver Sipple, managed to deflect her aim, saving the President’s life.
- Barack Obama (2008):
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, faced a credible assassination threat during his 2008 presidential campaign. In August 2008, two white supremacists, Daniel Cowart and Paul Schlesselman, were arrested for planning to assassinate Obama and targeting African American individuals. The authorities were able to intervene and prevent the assassination plot, ensuring Obama’s safety.
The history of the United States is marked by instances where presidents have faced assassination attempts, even during election campaigns. Andrew Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Gerald Ford, and Barack Obama all experienced the terrifying reality of being targeted for their leadership roles.
However, these remarkable individuals demonstrated resilience, and through a combination of luck, quick thinking, and the efforts of those around them, they managed to survive these assassination attempts. Their stories serve as a testament to the strength of the U.S. presidency and the determination of its leaders to continue their service to the nation, even in the face of grave danger.
